Artwork

Christ's Entry into Jerusalem

Christ's Entry into Jerusalem, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1510
Christ's Entry into Jerusalem, by Albrecht Dürer, ink, 1510

Christ's Entry into Jerusalem is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Dürer used sharp lines to show light and shadow, making the scene feel real and crowded.

Albrecht Dürer’s 1510 woodcut shows Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem. Crowds wave palm branches while children toss cloaks ahead. The city’s gate looms behind them, tiny but sharp.

This is a bold print, not a painting. Dürer used sharp lines to show light and shadow, making the scene feel real and crowded. The donkey looks tired, the people look excited.

It’s the kind of image you’d hang in a town square to tell a story. Look up woodcut prints next.

Overview

Christ's Entry into Jerusalem is a woodcut print created by Albrecht Dürer around 1510, depicting a pivotal religious scene.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem, with Jesus riding a donkey, surrounded by crowds waving palm branches and children laying cloaks in his path, symbolizing reverence and celebration.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed sharp lines and chiaroscuro effects in this bold woodcut to create a sense of realism and congestion in the scene, contrasting the weary donkey with the ecstatic crowd.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1510, specific provenance details are not provided, highlighting the work's existence as a notable example of Dürer's religious woodcuts.

Context

Typical of religious art intended for public dissemination, this print's style and medium suggest it was designed for widespread viewing, potentially in communal spaces.

Legacy

As a characteristic example of Dürer's woodcut technique, the piece contributes to the artist's influence on religious imagery and the development of printmaking as an artistic medium.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Albrecht Dürer

Artist

Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.